Social Media Week London

Social Media Week LondonSocial Media Week returns to London 23-27 September 2013, joining a host of other cities across the world in a hectic week of panel discussions, presentations, meetups and loads more. 

Event submissions are now open, get involved as a speaker, smwatchinwag [dot] com (volunteer) or find out about smwatchinwag [dot] com (sponsorshop opportunities).

Check out last September's full schedule. Keep up-to-date with Social Media Week London on Twitter & Facebook and of course the blog. 

Social Media Week London Events

Using Social to go Global supported by Open to Export
Mon, 24 Sep
Want to take your business global? Find out how how to use social media, online communities and collaborative tools can help build your company’s international business. Hear from international experts, case studies & quiz UKTI, Nokia, Hailo, the FT and more. Plus a free networking lunch and time for one-to-one Q&A.
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Global Keynote: Alex Balfour, Head of Digital, LOCOG (London 2012 Olympics)
Mon, 24 Sep
Join us for the SMWLDN Global Keynote, a fireside chat with Alex Balfour, the at the centre of the digital delivery of the massively successful London Olympics and Paralympics Games. Opening this Sep’s Social Media Week and hear about the trials, tribulations and successes behind the digital success of the games.
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The £800m Elephant in the Room: Social Inside the Enterprise hosted McKinsey & Co
Mon, 24 Sep
McKinsey Global Institute principal Michael Chui discusses the potential value in using social tools to enhance communications, knowledge sharing, and collaboration within and across enterprises. He'll be joined by an expert panel who'll reflect and discuss the dramatic changes 'social' is making inside the enterprise.
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Heroes of Social Innovation, supported by Nokia
Mon, 24 Sep
The rise of social media and social technology has demonstrated its power to revolutionise industries. In a very literal sense, the power to connect and collaborate is quite literally changing the world. Mobile technology and social networks enable groups to self-organise campaigns to gain worldwide momentum.
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SMW '12: Behavioural Economics for the Web
Tue, 25 Sep
Join us for a very exclusive breakfast and brunch to discuss the latest experiments and techniques from the masters of behavrioural economics – and how as digital natives, we can leverage these to take over the world.
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Making Social Work for your Business, hosted by Oracle
Tue, 25 Sep
The explosion of social has been tremendous, as Facebook closes in on one billion consumers and Twitter approaches 200 million, not to mention emerging platforms like Google+, Instagram and Pinterest. Join experts from Oracle, Maersk, MediaCom, We Are Social, Starcom, IPC and Luxury Hotels of the World and find out more...
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The Decision Makers: The Truth Behind the Family Purchase Dynamic
Tue, 25 Sep
#SMWLDN Families in the UK spend around £187B a year yet not much is known about the complicated decision making dynamic that goes into how that money is spent. This session will look at who in the family makes what decisions, how the members of the family influence each other and what role social media plays in inter-family communications.
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Facebook 1 Billion: End of the Beginning or Beginning of the End? hosted by Betapond
Tue, 25 Sep
Facebook approaches its 1 Billionth user while under the spotlight as never before. A few years ago Facebook was one of many social networks. Now it’s the world’s most important social media platform. On Tuesday at 9am in Unruly, our panel will discuss Facebook’s future.
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Nosh: The Social Business of Food
Tue, 25 Sep
The food business is in a constant state of flux whether it’s the rush for Michelin stars or shiny food trucks or the latest pop up restaurant. Its marketing is no exception...
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How Small Businesses Win in the Socially Connected World
Tue, 25 Sep
Did you know that on average you need to connect with prospective customers seven times before they actually buy from you? That’s an expensive way for you to grow your business. What if we told you that there was another way?
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How Small Businesses Win in a Socially Connected World hosted by Constant Contact
Tue, 25 Sep
Did you know that on average you need to connect with prospective customers 7 times before they actually buy? That’s an expensive way to grow business. What if we told you that there was another way? Sound interesting? Then join us and we’ll take you through how to create your own Engagement Marketing plan and turn your customers into your fans.
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One-to-One Social Health Check Sessions hosted by Oracle
Tue, 25 Sep
The Oracle one-to-one Social Surgery sessions will run from 12pm-1pm. They will give organisations the opportunity for one-to-one social media health checks with leading Oracle's team of social strategy experts.
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Facebook Marketing ROI: A master class with Nokia, The Social Partners and The Humane Society
Wed, 26 Sep
After selling-out tickets for this event on Tuesday, we're happy to announce that we will hold it again at Facebook Headquarters on Wednesday 26th September. However, this time, we have some new speakers to give additional insights and strategies for proving the success of social marketing within your organisation.
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Through the Eyes of a Child: The Social Media World of 6-11 Year Olds
Wed, 26 Sep
#SMWLDN Kids are inherently social and are very active on many social media platforms; therefore they are a hugely important part of the social media landscape. This discussion will focus on what kids are doing on networking sites, how and why they are so engaged with each other and the platforms, and look at the psychology behind these behaviours.
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Developing a Digital Strategy in a Social World hosted by Chinwag
Wed, 26 Sep
Digital media has gone through more revolutions in the last decade than other forms of media have experienced across their lifetimes. From web 2.0 to commoditisation of display advertising to sweeping changes of social media. How do the world's leading digital strategists handle the brand challenges? Join our expert panel for this discussion.
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Sustainable Brands Doing Good by Doing Well in Social hosted by Betapond
Wed, 26 Sep
How has social media changed the way brands approach CSR and sustainability initiatives and what will the future hold? What challenges and opportunities to brands face as they use new methods? Our panel will include brand marketers and experts who have seen the potential, join the discussion...
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Content Creation Collective: Secets behind social media
Wed, 26 Sep
If you’re a writer, editor, blogger, videographer, designer, producer or otherwise involved in the creation of cool stuff online then you need to come along to Content Creation Collective: Secrets behind social content on 26th September aboard the HMS President (1918), in association with Social Media Week.
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Oversharing or misUnderstood: Automatic Sharing in Social hosted by Betapond
Thu, 27 Sep
When Facebook unveiled Open Graph and made it possible for apps to automatically share what you’re listening to, watching or reading, it divided opinion. “Frictionless sharing” is a great way to discover new stuff from friends but some think it’s Too Much Information. Come along and join the debate...
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Multi-Channel Social Media – Small Biz Friend or Foe?
Thu, 27 Sep
Are you unsure which combination of Pins, Tweets and Likes will give your small business a bang for its buck? It’s a conundrum that’s facing many owners as they fight to juggle the time spent between marketing their business and actually running it.
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Multi-Channel Social Media - Small Biz Friend or Foe? hosted by Constant Contact
Thu, 27 Sep
Are you unsure which combination of Pins, Tweets and Likes will give your small business a bang for its buck? Register today, come along and don’t forget to come along with your questions, thoughts and challenges. Our panel is waiting to help you navigate the right mix of social ingredients.
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Chinwag's Careers Day at Social Media Week London 2012
Fri, 28 Sep
Hundreds of graduates, jobs seekers and experienced workers looking for that next challenge will be flocking to the Careers Day to meet the likes of Nokia, Financial Times, Imagination, Tempero, News International and more, so don't miss out. REGISTER NOW - it's free!
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Latest Blog Posts

[Guest Blog] Thinmartian.com Hosts the DMA on Social Media, Direct Marketing and Making Money #threebie

This is a Guest Blog by Andrew Walker from Thinmartian.com, about their event, Free Think : Free Drink, happening during Social Media Week London.

As part of Social Media Week, Creative Tech Agency Thin Martian are proud to present ‘Free Think: Free Drink’ in association with the DMA Social Media Council.

If you’ve been before, you’ll already know that Social Media Week is all about great social events, so in that tradition Thin Martian are throwing a party to celebrate the silicon roundabout / Shoreditch design scene and show off our social media experience as co-creators of social start-ups Tweetminster & MusicMetric… plus give away funky Japanese designer toys and show the good people of London how we rock it in East London.

Come, party, tweet, win stuff and almost certainly get it on with some sexy young things* We’ve got a kickass panel event, free drinks, industry experts, informal networking and some serious shape throwing on the dance floor as infamous Shoreditch scene DJ Chef Beercan rounds off the night.

We’ll be previewing the results of the DMA Social Media Council’s survey: “The Value of Social Media – What Marketers Really Think” – created in collaboration with Thin Martian (our co-founder Andrew Walker is the research lead for the DMASMC). This is 2011’s biggest survey of marketing professionals specifically investigating the ROI value of social channels – you can be a part of it here http://www.dma.org.uk/sectors/scm-survey.asp

We’re going explore the future of social media’s role in direct marketing, focusing on how to incorporate social media into client work, how to deliver meaningful ROI and revenues and how brands and agencies must engage with the new social media CAP code and ASA code.

Tickets are going fast for #smwldn’s finest mix of informative social media discussions, within a diverse gathering in happening Shoreditch club venue, Concrete.

For more details about the event and to check out our brand new HTML5 website visit: http://www.thinmartian.com or follow us on Twitter @thinmartian.

Featuring social media & marketing lawyer Stephen Groom (Head of Marketing & Privacy Law, Osborne Clarke Solicitors), Justin Pearse (Editor, New Media Age), Roger Warner (Founder Content & Motion), Molly Flatt (1000heads, WOM Evangelist), Adam Paulisick (Senior Director, The Neilsen Company’s Online Division), Geoff Hughes (Biz Dev Manager, Syncapse & Facebook Developer Garage)

*almost certainly is not a guarantee of success regardless of how attractive you are.As part of Social Media Week, Creative Tech Agency Thin Martian are proud to present ‘Free Think: Free Drink’ in association with the DMA Social Media Council.

[Guest Blog] Can Social Media Ever Be Zen?

This is a Guest Blog written by Sinead Mac Manus of 8fold, a digital well-being company about her event, Tea and the Zen of Social Media.

In our modern world full of laptops, iPhones and wifi, we are never far from the connected world. As social human beings we naturally seek out the company of others, and the rise of social media reflects our craving to connect.

But in our increasingly connected world, do we need some downtime from our machines? And if so, how can we create distance from our connected lives without being disconnected from its benefits.

It is this question and others that I will be posing to a panel of social media and digital entrepreneurs and the audience for an interactive discussion at The Hub Islington on Monday 7th February. Entitled Tea and the Zen of Social Media, the lunchtime event will discuss if we can be both mindful and connected, reaping the benefits of the social web without the burnout.

In my opinion, it’s possible. When working with clients, I find the benefits of engaging with the social web far outweigh any negative effects in terms of time and digital overload, especially if we can engage with these technologies in a Zen and mindful way. By applying the Zen principles of Kanso and Koko (simplicity and austerity) to our social media use, we remind ourselves that we don’t have to spread ourselves thinly across 10 social networks when one focused network might be enough, or that we can use the right digital tools to get our message across easily rather than struggle with ineffective ones.

In Hamlet’s Blackberry, William Powers uses the story of one of Plato’s most famous dialogues between his teacher, the Greek philosopher Socrates and a young man Phaedrus, to illustrate the importance of occasionally unplugging from the crowd. In Plato’s time, getting away from the crowd meant taking a walk outside the city walls; today, it is about finding ways to incorporate spaces for focus in our day.

And that is something we can all use more of.

I hope you will join me and my panel for an enlightening discussion over tea. You can register for your place here.

Visit the 8fold website and my blog From Apps to Zen for more information about digital well-being. You can also follow me on Twitter @sineadmacmanus

Photo (cc) pittaya

Top Tips from Propel London for Working in Social and Working Socially

Community management, social marketing, word-of-mouth, online PR and more besides: there’s a rapidly growing and diversifying set of jobs in the social media space, and it’s an exciting area to be a part of.

But even if you’re not working in social, you can still get into working socially. It’s applicable to virtually any job in any industry you care to think of.

Working socially is about connectedness, inviting feedback, listening to a wide range of opinions and collaboration. The technologies – social platforms – simply enable this stuff to happen more efficiently.

As social technologies continue to influence our lives, so too will their use in facilitating this way of working.

With “going back to basics” in mind, here are our tops tips for working in social, and working socially for that matter:

1. Build your profile

This is harder than it looks. The social web is teeming with individuals all spreading messages, building niches and creating noise. To build your profile it’s important to put in consistent, long-term effort. It won’t come overnight. What’s more, you need to have a simple plan – what are you interested in? What do you want to be known for? What do you have a unique angle, or valuable insight into? Don’t be obvious – express yourself and share your passion.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask

Social web, and working socially, is all about sharing ideas and getting inspired. Asking questions, and listening to the answers is a crucial skill. Twitter is littered with individuals who are not only happy to help people out, but who are experienced and expert in their disciplines. It’s a great asset, so make use of it. Don’t be afraid to pipe up with questions.

3. Remember your core skills

Social media isn’t just about sharing links, tweeting and building buzz. There are commercial considerations at the heart of every social media job. Don’t forget about statistics, partnerships, audience-share and client service. These core commercial skills are just as important in social as elsewhere.

4. Maintain perspective

Social media technologies are part of a larger shift in digital, and its relationship with the world. There’s a process of evolution taking place which touches on all areas of the industry – display advertising, PR, design and build, performance marketing, mobile, the list is endless. When you’re thinking about how social media applies to your work, consider it as part of a larger whole. Don’t ignore the rest of the exciting digital world!

5. Stay up to date

Make sure you’re plugged into the thought leaders in the space. Set aside a little time every day to do some reading, click a few links and keep your finger on the pulse. Attending seminars, trade shows and presentations will keep your knowledge up to date, and also help you to build your profile at the same time.

It’s an exciting time in the world of digital, and social is one of the major catalysts behind that fact. If you’re looking for ways to work more socially, or if you’re trying to get yourself a role working in social then you’re not alone. Hopefully following our tips will help you to get closer to your goals.

Remember to follow us on Twitter – @PropelLondon – we’re always up for sharing advice and making new friends.

Join Propel London for their Social Media Week event:

“Myth Busting: The Reality of Working In Social Media #socialmyths“

Thursday 10th February, 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Myth #1 – Social Media = Getting paid to do what others do in their spare time.
Myth #2 – Only youthful hipsters work in social media

Join Propel London and a host of industry experts busting the myths that surround social media. The social media space is no longer new but plenty of myths still exist about who works in it, and what they do.

Playing around with Facebook all day is far from the reality of working in social media but what do Heads of Social and Social Media Managers actually do and are there any opportunities for you to join them?

We will hear from 4 people, working in senior roles in Social Media, about the reality of their day, the role they have and with the work they do for their clients.

We’re collecting your thoughts on some of the myths surrounding work in social media.  What are your perceptions?  What do you hear a lot from people outside the space?  Perhaps it’s something funny, or perhaps it’s quite a serious point.  Either way, please share it – we’ll be using the most interesting points during the event.  Simply use the hashtags #smwldn #socialmyths to share your thoughts.

Photo (cc) Mark Hunter